2012 Jeep Wrangler?

So it seems our 2002 Ford Explorer, after its 145k miles of very hard life (ex. we put 45k miles on it since nov '09 towing a 6000lbs trailer (trailer, 2 quads, riding mower, building materials, etc) to our camp in north western PA from northern va (~1000 miles a trip) is starting to have (shock!) transmission and rear end issues.

we're toying with the idea of replacing it. originally, the last time we went car shopping we had narrowed it down to the Borrego (which we ended up getting) and a (then new) '10 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara.

So, my partner and I are thinking since I originally wanted the Wrangler the first time, and he's wanting it now too--(even though that's what I wanted in the first place...but he said it was too small for him (he's 6'4")...but nevermind...) We're thinking of just the 2-dr wrangler with the pentastar. We've found a couple in our price range and am wondering if anyone has encountered a pentastar wrangler first hand.

i'm pushing for a flame red '12 wrangler sport with the pwr conveince pkg and 17" rims...while he's going for a base sport in 'dozer' which looks like construction orange to me...

We're also looking at the Kizashi Sport SLS AWD and possible the SX4 Hatch AWD as we absolutely have to have a 4wd/AWD for the snow and mud issues with our driveway in the winter...Western PA and all.

I can't imagine cross shopping a Wrangler and Kizashi, but I digress. I haven't driven a Pentastar equipped Wrangler, but I did drive a 2010. The updated interior was great. The only thing that kept me from buying it was the lack of power. The Unlimited I drove couldn't even maintain highway speeds on a slight grade. I said all that to say adding the Pentastar and 5 speed auto should make it an all around great vehicle.

i keep going back to wanting something more fuel effiecient...we have the borrego that gets ~18mpg, the explorer gets ~15 and the F150 gets about 10..lol the borrego and the f150 can tow the camper we have now...so i dont know if we NEED another SUV...but i really want (and wanted) the wrangler

admzF150:i keep going back to wanting something more fuel effiecient...we have the borrego that gets ~18mpg, the explorer gets ~15 and the F150 gets about 10..lol the borrego and the f150 can tow the camper we have now...so i dont know if we NEED another SUV...but i really want (and wanted) the wrangler

i live NW of pitt not too far from Cranberry (Butler). Go Steelers

Hell yes to the Steelers. That's crazy you live in Butler my sister's boyfriend lives there. They both went to Westminster College. Does the Orloski name sound familiar to you?
---------'15 Mustang GT Premium 6spd'90 325i 'vert 5spd

admzF150:not too much--- lol i moved here from northern va about a year ago. i really only know ppl from work lol

Gotcha. Ya you can't go wrong with the Jeep. That thing will be a tank in whatever the western Pa winter throws at you. I agree with westys on the green with the 6m, that is the one I'd get hands down
---------'15 Mustang GT Premium 6spd'90 325i 'vert 5spd

admzF150:i keep going back to wanting something more fuel effiecient...we have the borrego that gets ~18mpg, the explorer gets ~15 and the F150 gets about 10..lol the borrego and the f150 can tow the camper we have now...so i dont know if we NEED another SUV...but i really want (and wanted) the wrangler

i live NW of pitt not too far from Cranberry (Butler). Go Steelers

You mentioned needing to negotiate snow and mud. A low slung car like the Kizashi could get stuck in that situation regardless of the awd. Awd doesn't help when the car's high centered and the tires don't touch firm ground. I would think you would at least need a higher clearance CUV or car like an Outback. It get's pretty good mileage and can be had with a manual transmission. The Wrangler is alot cooler though. I vote for one in Sahara Tan with a matching hard top.

I lived in an eastern suburb of Pittsburgh until I was 16, then moved with my family to a place not far from Atlanta. Moving right in the middle of high school sucked, and the culture shock killed my mojo. It's grown on me here, though.

My older brother still lives up there, and he's started a family, so between him and an old friend of mine, I still try to visit as often as I can, even though I've monstly been a broke-ass *** since 2008.
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